- There are countless vintage icons to draw inspiration from - think Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn in their powder pink moments
- And joy is the quiet revolution of SS25. In place of conformity, there’s celebration. Fashion is loosening its grip on image and returning to play, discovery, and expression. On runways and sidewalks alike, that shift is visible
The Spring / Summer 2025 collections bring a patchwork of nostalgia and innocence to the runway; a kind that stirs something tender, even sentimental. Designers have reached into the past, drawing on delicate hues, childlike details, and silhouettes that echo long-gone eras. But this season, it’s not just about vintage inspiration; it’s about emotional connection. In a time that feels increasingly complicated and uncertain, fashion is offering us something familiar, something grounding.
01.At first glance, this could be dismissed as fashion’s perennial obsession with the past. Designers have always looked to history for inspiration. But SS25 feels different. These collections aren’t merely reflective; they’re searching. Whether through softness or flamboyance, many designs carry a yearning for simpler times, inviting us to connect emotionally, not just aesthetically.
02.This turn to the past may be a reaction to our overstimulated, hyperconnected reality. As life becomes more digital, our days compressed into scrolls and stories, it’s no surprise we’re craving the tangible. We seek out clothes that feel like memories - of childhood, teenage rebellion, or even of eras we never lived through. They remind us of a time when life wasn’t filtered, edited, or curated. Nostalgia becomes a brief but beautiful escape, and fashion is the perfect vessel for that escapism.
03.Yet this shift goes deeper than digital fatigue. In a world grappling with constant crises - wars, climate change, economic instability, existential uncertainty - many of us feel untethered. Identity itself feels more fluid, sometimes even fractured. While social media gives us tools to shape how we’re seen, it also blurs the lines between what we truly love and what we think we should love.
That’s where SS25’s trends step in; as reflections of a collective mood. Designers are reviving motifs and garments that evoke ease and emotional honesty. These clothes don’t shout for attention; they invite us to feel. They celebrate individuality without the pressure to perform. They’re reminders of a time when dressing was an act of joy, not strategy.
And joy is the quiet revolution of SS25. In place of conformity, there’s celebration. Fashion is loosening its grip on image and returning to play, discovery, and expression. On runways and sidewalks alike, that shift is visible. This season is about telling your own story; through fabric, shape, and colour.
04.Speaking of colour, one stands out in particular: pink. Specifically, soft, powdery pinks. They’re everywhere, and they’re not just pretty; they’re powerful. Soft pink has emerged as SS25’s defining colour trend, offering a refreshing contrast to the deep, moody tones like burgundy that dominated recent seasons. This isn’t the saccharine pink of childhood, nor the bold pink of Barbiecore. This is something more nuanced, a pink that holds its own alongside navy and black, exuding both elegance and strength.
Far from frivolous, this shade speaks to a deeper cultural mood. It’s no longer shy of its tenderness; it uses it as strategy - an ultra-modern gesture of chic, within which lies unshakable strength. Powder pink represents a desire to reconnect - with simplicity, with optimism, with the joy we felt before life became so complicated. It’s about embracing softness without surrendering strength, and designers are using it in everything from sharp tailoring to ruffles and exquisite, diaphanous gowns.
05.The resurgence of pink also marks a psychological pivot. It taps into our collective longing for innocence and ease, offering a gentle respite from the weight of adulthood and all the complexity it brings. And no matter how trends evolve, pink has become a wardrobe constant. Its endurance lies in its duality: romantic yet resilient, nostalgic yet fresh.
This turn to vintage-inspired palettes offers a compelling reason to seek out pre-loved pieces in this shade, whether clothing, accessories, or even home décor. Buying something that has already lived adds authenticity to the trend and provides a way to express individuality within it. The stigma around second-hand fashion is rapidly fading, with millennials and Gen Z embracing it with open arms. There are countless vintage icons to draw inspiration from - think Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn in their powder pink moments.
06.Looking at the SS25 shows, the sight of powder pink pieces gliding down the runway was nothing short of magical; dreamy, but not naive. Often styled in whisper-light fabrics, these looks channel a softer femininity: less power-play, more poetry. Ultimately, this shade of pink represents an intelligent sophistication that blends romanticism with confidence. It reminds us that fashion can still move us. In a world full of noise, this colour speaks in a softer voice, but one that resonates deeply. It offers us a moment of pause, a flicker of memory, a reason to smile. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
